Overview
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg is a woody vine native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It is a member of the Loganiaceae family and is known for its many medicinal properties.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as "curare," "bejuco de curare," "yuca panga," and "yacupanga."
Description
The Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 20m long and 9cm in diameter. Its leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and grow in pairs. Its flowers are small, white, and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a round, fleshy berry filled with seeds that are used for medicinal purposes.
Uses
The plant, particularly its seeds, is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, rheumatism, and digestive issues. The plant's bark and leaves are also used to prepare tea, which is said to have therapeutic properties. In addition, the plant's seeds contain alkaloids that are used to create the muscle-relaxing drug, curare, which is used in surgery and to treat muscle spasms.
Light Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant cannot tolerate shade and may exhibit stunted growth or produce fewer flowers and fruits under reduced light conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to plant Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg in areas that receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature requirements
The plant Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg requires a warm climate for survival. It grows well in areas with moderate to high temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extremely low temperatures, and exposure to such conditions may lead to plant death. Therefore, it is advisable to grow Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate.
Soil requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is not particularly picky about the type of soil as long as it is fertile, loose, and properly aerated. However, it is advisable to avoid clay soils or soils with poor drainage as they may retain too much water, causing root suffocation and ultimately plant death. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and has good water retention capacity to support the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg, commonly known as the Peruvian corkwood, is a small tree that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. When cultivating this plant, ensure it is protected from strong winds and frost. Plant the tree in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
It is best to plant the Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg during the rainy season or when there is adequate water supply. The plant thrives in partial shade, which makes it ideal for growing together with other trees. Ensure that the tree gets sufficient light for growth and fruiting.
Watering Needs
The Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg requires adequate watering for its growth and development. When newly planted, provide ample water to help the tree establish a good root system. Water the tree regularly during the dry season to prevent water stress.
However, avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the tree. Excess water in the soil hinders the tree's uptake of essential nutrients, leading to stunted growth and decreased productivity. It is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg requires essential nutrients for its growth and development. Apply a slow-release fertilizer every few months during the plant's growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are always a good option, as they not only provide nutrients but also help improve soil structure.
Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers to prevent overfertilizing, which can cause root burns and ultimately damage the tree. Overfertilizing the tree can also lead to the buildup of harmful salts in the soil.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg's size and shape, which ensures easy harvesting. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches regularly to promote tree health, as they act as a potential entry point for pests and diseases.
During pruning, ensure that the tools you use are sharp and clean to prevent injury or the transfer of disease. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season to minimize stress on the tree. However, limit the pruning to about a quarter of the plant to avoid weakening the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg is a woody plant with medicinal properties. There are different methods of propagating this plant, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the plant. They should be cleaned thoroughly before planting. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in containers with well-draining soil. The containers or the planting area should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks.
Cutting propagation
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant during the early spring season. They should have at least three nodes and be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in containers with well-draining soil and kept in a humid, warm environment until they take root.
Layering propagation
Another method of propagating Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg is through layering. This involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and covering it with soil. It should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Roots should grow from the bent stem within a few weeks. The new plant can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg could be affected by various diseases that cause damage to the plant and decrease the yield. Therefore, it is crucial to manage these diseases to ensure the health and survival of the plant. Here are some common diseases and their respective management techniques:
- Anthracnose: caused by Colletotrichum sp., and showed by the presence of small, dark lesions on leaves and branches. To prevent this disease, prune infected parts of the plant, and improve air circulation around the plant by proper spacing. Fungal sprays can also help to control this disease.
- Powdery mildew: this is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected parts of the plant, decrease the humidity around the plant, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide spray.
- Leaf spot: caused by the fungus Cercospora ssp, the disease shows yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves, and improve air circulation and sunlight penetration around the plant.
Pest Management
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. pubescens (Soler.) Gilg is also susceptible to pest infestations that could weaken or kill the plant altogether. Here are some of the common pests that affect this plant and their respective management techniques:
- Scale insects: these insects attach themselves to the branches and stems of the plant, sucking sap from the plant tissues. To manage the scales, prune the affected parts of the plant and apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soap to the remaining parts of the plant.
- Whiteflies: these are small, white insects that suck sap from the leaves and leave behind sticky excrement that attracts other pests. To manage whiteflies, control ant populations around the plant, which protect and transport the whiteflies, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf-cutting ants: these animals cut leaves from the plant and carry them to their nests. These actions could lead to significant defoliation and plant decline. To manage leaf-cutting ants, create barriers around the plant using physical or chemical means, and apply insecticides around the nest areas.
